The most important tool for crocheters is the crochet hook. With crochet hooks, size does matter. This is important because each hook size produces differently sized stitches. A smaller hook will have smaller gaps and tighter connections with the yarn. A larger hook will give looser, airier results.
Most beginners start with a size H-8 (5mm) hook that is made of aluminum. This is a good middle-of-the-road size that will help you get used to the rhythm of your crochet stitches. When you're more experienced, you can try smaller hooks with lighter yarns as well as larger hooks with heavier or thicker yarns.
Hooks are made of various materials. The most common materials for crochet hooks are aluminum, steel, plastic, bamboo, wood and glass. Of those, aluminum and plastic are most widely available, and glass is the least common. Different materials will work better with different yarn projects. The easiest hook for beginners to use is an aluminum hook, as the yarn slides easily along the sides.
Knitting and crochet yarns come in different weights, or thicknesses. The thickness of your yarn (among other factors) has a huge impact on the look of your knitted or crocheted fabric — and certainly the amount of time it takes to complete it. Yarn weight determines how many stitches it takes to knit 1 inch.
Lace yarn or thread is very thin and often used to give a lacy appearance to shawls and doilies.
Super fine yarn is lightweight and typically used for baby items, sock patterns, or shawls. Lacy items often fall under this category, as this type of yarn works best for creating delicate pieces.
A DK weight yarn in acrylic, wool, or cotton is a good option for beginners. This is because it is generally quite uniform in thickness, plus if you make a mistake you can easily undo it. DK (Double Knit) is a light yarn. DK yarns are thinner than Aran yarns and are often used for projects that require lightweight yarns, such as a summer sweater, a thin cap, accessories, or children's clothing.
Worsted Weight Yarn is the most commonly used weight of yarn, slightly thicker than DK weight and thinner than bulky yarn. It is the best yarn for knitting sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens, blankets. and afghans.
Bulky yarn is about twice as thick as worsted weight. It usually works up quickly when using large needles/hooks, and it’s great to use when making sweaters, scarves, rugs, and throws.
Acrylic - Many acrylics are now surprisingly soft, available in incredibly bright colors and are very even and consistent. They’re not as breathable or as absorbent as wool, but are super-strong and machine washable! The sustainability of acrylics is a factor that divides many knitters and crocheters – after all it is essentially plastic – however some people see this as being a positive as it lasts longer and isn’t susceptible to moths or wearing down.
Cotton - If you’re after a yarn that’s going to hold up to a lot of wear and tear and doesn’t have much elasticity, then cottons are a great choice for you. They feel very smooth to crochet with, and some cottons are mercerised (a chemical process to make them even smoother and take on dye better, as well as many other positive factors). Cotton yarns are very strong and give you nice clear stitches, but can be a bit on the heavy side. Cotton’s are often reasonably priced and come in a wide range of colors. They’re great for summer projects, and are a great choice for knitters and crocheters that are allergic to animal fibers.
Wool - Wool is breathable yet highly absorbent, so if you get caught in a rain shower in a woolen jumper it will keep you dry. As long as it’s not a boiling hot day, it will also keep you cooler for the same reasons. Wool is long-lasting and softens with wear, so keep the moths away and a wool jumper could last decades. Thanks to its naturally antibacterial properties, wool also requires far less washing than other fibers. Use superwash yarn to wash it in a machine though, as otherwise it can felt! Like other animal fibers, wool has a ‘memory’. If you wet it and stretch it out (blocking) it will keep the shape it dries into, making it perfect for lace, which needs ‘opening out’ after knitting or crocheting. If you’re worried about it being itchy, wear a short length tied around a necklace or watch and see if it irritates you.
Linen - Spun from flax from plants, linen is one of the first fibers ever to be spun. You can kind of think of it as a lightweight cousin to cotton – very strong but not a lot of stretch, definitely in the featherweight category. It’s highly absorbent which means that it works equally well in hot and cold weather, and due to its light weight, it’s fantastic for shawls and garments (or anything that you want to drape well).
Blends - Blends are among the most popular yarns. Mills mix different fibers to create yarns that combine the best of both worlds. Want a summer yarn that feels light and breezy? Try cotton with lightweight acrylic. Love alpaca but it’s just too hot? An alpaca/wool or cotton mix will be perfect!